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Folk living in the European Union who think they have been swindled by an app are being encouraged to contribute to a public consultation process.

Surprisingly, though, the consultation—which runs until September 15, and was launched by Brussels' digital chief Gunther Oettinger on Thursday—doesn't stretch to apps breaking data protection rules, even though this is clearly an area of great concern to consumers.

Here's what it does cover:

The safety of applications and other non-embedded software that are downloadable on a device such as a personal computer, tablet, or smartphone or accessible on a remote location (cloud) [the consultation will help] to determine whether the EU should take action to strengthen consumer protection in this area.

The consultation's extremely short questionnaire asks respondents to say if they have suffered financial damage, damage to property—presumably primarily devices—or nontangible "pain and suffering." The questionnaire's preamble explains: “If apps are giving access to a service, this consultation addresses only the safety aspects in the functioning of the app, and not the underlying service itself.”

It adds that “safe use” should be understood as freedom from unacceptable risks, including cyber security vulnerabilities. For example, the European Commission asks users if they have encountered any problems, such as health apps giving incorrect and potentially dangerous information, and if a solution was found.

“Whenever a person downloads an app or software, they need to be sure that it won't cause any damage, especially when it comes to health advice. I invite everyone to participate in this public consultation and share their experience to see how far the app sector takes care of consumers’ safety,” said Oettinger.

The FitnessKeeper complaint stemmed from a wider investigation of 20 apps by the NCC, which found that many vendors implemented unfair terms and poor privacy practices. The Norwegian ombudsman also received a similar complaint about hookup app Tinder, while French authorities heard similar moans about dating app Happn.

Feedback from the consultation will apparently help define any further action to be taken at EU level, including possible revisions to existing legislation. Oettinger said that lawmakers want to hear from developers as well as users for all types of apps.